The Ambassadors

Okay, so I am really having trouble with this book, finally figured out his writing style so things are going a little better. I have read Book One, chapter one, so not very far. What I can say about it is that you can see how it was written as a series for a magazine. If you look at the way television series end usually on a cliff hanger so that you are sure to tune in next week that is what you find at the end of the first chapter in Book One.

Strether is like a school girl on her first date, he arrives in Liverpool and has found out that he is to meet Mr. Waymarsh in Chester. Throughout this we have Strether's thought process. He is eagerly awaiting the meeting but does not want to appear to eager. He is disappointed when Waymarsh is not there at the Inn but glad that he arrived first because he wants to be ready for the meeting without looking like he was in a rush to see Waymarsh.

While standing in the lobby, somewhat disappointed he turns and meets a woman who says she too knows Waymarsh and from what she says that they apparently travel in the same circles but she doubts that he will remember her. So does this mean she feels jilted, I am not sure, but I get a feeling that this is the case.

Strether and we do not know her name until later, decide to go for a stroll, around the town after freshing up. They are described as being similar in features as if brother and sister. They are constantly trying to figure each other out, by visual clues. As they are walking we find a troubled Strether who keeps looking at his watch and he gets called out by Maria Gotstrey. It is an amusing walk but Strether is worried that he should be going on this tour with Waymarsh. He is feeling guilty.

Dunt Dunt Dun: When they arrive back at the Inn, Waymarsh is standing there looking none to pleased.

So why isn't he pleased?
1. Does he recognize the young lady and has mixed emotions about her being with Strether?
2. Is he made because Strether did not wait for him?
3. IS he jealous?
I guess I will find out.

There are twelve books and I figure I better start reading a little faster and give you an understanding at the end of my reading. I still get the feeling that Mr. Strether may be inclined to favor men over ladies, just by his breathless anticipation of Mr. Waymarsh. But I have only read part of Book One.